Not all people need their wisdom teeth removed; in fact, Dr. Chase Davis still has all his wisdom teeth! However, it’s a fact of life that many of us will require wisdom tooth removal at some point to prevent pain, impaction, infection, and damage to the jaw. If you’ve visited our dentistry office in Mesa and you’ve decided to have your wisdom teeth taken out, here’s how to care for your smile after the surgery so that you heal with few to no complications.

Immediately after Surgery

Make sure that you have someone available to take you home after the procedure, as you will most likely not be able to drive until a day or so afterwards. This is because you will have been under general anesthesia or have been giving strong painkillers and numbing agents. Your dentist will have placed gauze pads in your mouth; make sure that you keep these in for up to 30 minutes after the surgery.

Coming Home after Wisdom Tooth Removal

Once you’re home, make sure that you have ice packs ready to combat swelling. Hold these to the sides of your face for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Try to avoid talking, eating, or drinking as much as possible to avoid aggravating the extraction site, and refrain from exercise, smoking, or drinking alcohol for a few days. After the bleeding has stopped, you can use a gentle mouthwash to rinse out your mouth, but don’t excessively gargle – just swish it around. You may take over-the-counter painkillers, such as aspirin, if you feel you need them.

Eating and Drinking

Avoid drinking through a straw or consuming hot foods and liquids for the first few days after the surgery. Pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs are good options. Avoid anything with seeds or particles that could get trapped in the extraction site and cause an infection. You should be fully healed from your surgery within two weeks, but if the pain and swelling don’t go away, consult with your dentist immediately.

Wisdom Tooth Removal in Mesa, Arizona – Is it Right for You?

If you think that you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted, visit our offices in Mesa for a consultation. We’ll take a panoramic X-ray of your mouth to see if you have enough space in your jaw to accommodate your wisdom teeth, and if you don’t, our team of dentists will be happy to discuss your options with you.